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A- levels subjects - so confused (asap reply please) change or nah?

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Should I change?

As the title suggests I am very indecisive and I don't know what to do. PLEASE READ ALL OF IT THANKS>

I am currently in year 12, re- sitting for first time (Because of Issues with my personal life), I started school 5 weeks late as I couldn't find any colleges to resit until now After contacting 70 colleges.. I am currently doing Biology, Chemistry and Psychology. I love chemistry and Psychology, But I am not sure with Biology, as I am not as passionate about it compared to my other A levels. My teachers are saying just stick with your current A levels and you will 'learn' to love them. I don't find biology hard but I can see myself enjoying other subjects similarly. I just want to get into a field where it's it all (Financially reward, higher in the hierarchy in terms of subjects, and it fulfills me.), and I am very fascinated with atoms, particles and energy and chemistry and etc.

My problem is I don't know what I want from A- levels or my life. I am not sure If I want to be a doctor, engineer or Investment banker (for the financial rewards)

GCSE's relevant to this thread that I got:
Biology; (ABA) (CORE , ADDITIONAL , FURTHER ADDITIONAL)
Chemistry; (AAA*) (CORE , ADDITIONAL , FURTHER ADDITIONAL)
Physics; (AAA*) (CORE , ADDITIONAL , FURTHER ADDITIONAL)
Maths B (3 marks from an A)
Statistics (B)

My worry about my A levels is that of lesson content, I feel overwhelmed with Biology and Psychology content by I know it's doable, I always regarded myself as a Logical personality (INTP), so I believe something with Maths or STEM is going to be good. My maths teachers were inconsistent and didn't teacher it properly, I was messed up during GCSES exams due to bereavement and health issues and I had go through GCSE'S and resit my AS level. I feel I might be better in less content heavy but I don't know as all A- Levels are hard. I love chemistry so I don't know if I should go for one step below which is biology or one step higher than chemistry which is physics - that's what I meant about the hierarchy as I feel maths<physics<chemistry<biology<psychology - High to low in terms of reputation in the field. don't get offended by it thanks.
I'm so frustrated that I don't have a passion and I only like psychology because of my issues. Sorry If you don't understand but Please help and ask.
,

I don't know what to do. Should I go for a more interesting subject like Physics and/or maths or stay with my subjects but so far I felt like doing either:
Biology, Chemistry, Maths and Phsyics
Chemistry, Physics, Maths and Psychology
Biology, Chemistry, Maths and Psychology
Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Psychology

I don't know If I should do physics because I love chemistry and essentially it's applied physics or biology which is applied chemistry, I want to be in a field that is regarded as top but I don't know what job will fulfill me, I want to go to a good university so I rather not do a foundation year but might consider it.

My teachers have been skeptical and don't think I should do them because I may struggle but I know if I want to do something I will do it, First I wanted Biology really badly, now I want Physics and Maths., What the hell is wrong with me?

I just want to keep my options open and I don't know what to do. I just want a financially successful career and Live a good life without anxiety is that too much to ask. UGHHHHHH!!! MY ANxiety IS SO High Right NOW.

They say it's hard but I haven't experienced it but you never know I might learn and become very good at them. AS I LOVE THINGS THAT ARE Logically satisfying. equations in chemistry is the best.

I don't know if I should speak to someone , no one is helping, and I don't know what I want so please don't tell me to follow my heart or do what you think is best, no career advisor are helping but I appreciate people effort for helping.

Thanks and Please Reply ASAP.

I have a higher interest in physics than biology but biology so far clicks.
(edited 6 years ago)

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Dude, just do what you like, and you'll never regret it trust me.
Reply 2
Original post by Radioactivedecay
Dude, just do what you like, and you'll never regret it trust me.


That's true but I don't know how to choose them. Like I like physics but I don't know If I want a career in it. My teacher are skeptical
You don't have to wanta career in it to do it, you can do it and then drop it in year 13 or who knows you might like a lot and decide to pursue a career in it.
Reply 4
Original post by Radioactivedecay
You don't have to wanta career in it to do it, you can do it and then drop it in year 13 or who knows you might like a lot and decide to pursue a career in it.


Do I need to do maths with it or nah?

My teachers are currently saying no but i might be able to convince them so do you have any suggestion.
Not for physics no. The science sylaabus is set so that you only require gcse maths knowledge and no knowledge from any other a level.
Reply 6
Original post by Radioactivedecay
Not for physics no. The science sylaabus is set so that you only require gcse maths knowledge and no knowledge from any other a level.


Oh right, but a lot of universities say they would want maths with it if I want to do engineering, also my teacher said it's hard without it. I apologise for bothering you,

what a levels do you do?
Reply 7
I don't know How to decide what A levels I like.
Original post by Radioactivedecay
Not for physics no. The science sylaabus is set so that you only require gcse maths knowledge and no knowledge from any other a level.


Maths can be a useful supplement for Physics as there is a slight crossover with the mechanical content. Generally speaking though if you have a decent level of mathematical competency you can still perform well as there are large parts of Physics which rely more heavily on theory.
Well ya that goes without saying, engineering is quite maths heavy so you definitely need it, same goes for physics at uni. Am currently doing maths, further maths and physics and lemme tell ya physics is harder than the two maths subjects combined, so if you really plan to do it you need to be willing spend alot of time on it.
Reply 10
I agree with that, how come is physics really harder, like I am not sure what I want to do what do engineers do, like i just want a career that I enjoy and pays well, tbh, I love chemistry but I don't know if physics is the viable option as I done better at it during gcse and enjoy a bit more or biology as i can understand it very well and i enjoy it a bit less. Lol why does my anxiety get in the way.
You need both biology and chemistry. Stick with it. Do not change now your teachers are correct. You have three good subjects which if you obtain good grades in will stand to you. I think you are in a quandary due to all the changes and upset in your personal life. This is normal and it upsets even those of us who are much older. So just focus now in your studies and ensure you attend college for your lessons and complete your assignments etc. as a mother and teacher I also feel you would need to see a good qualified therapist/counselor . Good luck.
Reply 12
Original post by Polytunnel
You need both biology and chemistry. Stick with it. Do not change now your teachers are correct. You have three good subjects which if you obtain good grades in will stand to you. I think you are in a quandary due to all the changes and upset in your personal life. This is normal and it upsets even those of us who are much older. So just focus now in your studies and ensure you attend college for your lessons and complete your assignments etc. as a mother and teacher I also feel you would need to see a good qualified therapist/counselor . Good luck.


Hi there thank you for your suggestion,

I would like to ask you some questions,

first of all why do you think I need biology and chemistry when Physics and chemistry might be better?

I only have one life, should I do what I think is best for me.

Yeah I agree with you I am in state of quandary and I am re sitting so I am now older and experienced to a levels now,

I do see a therapist and it's become better what do you advice me after all my situations , because I love chemistry but I also love both science I don't know if I should sacrifice psychology and take all the other or choose one or another.
Reply 13
Also How can I know you are a trusted source, how can I know you are a teacher as you just joined today, sorry to be irrational but that's who I am.
Reply 14
Also I always saw myself as A physical science rather than natural science but I wanted to be a doctor but now I am not sure, I appreciate everyone's help. I've gone through a lot so it would be great
Who gives a flying f*** about subject reputation.
As long as you meet the requirements of the uni course you want to do, then do whatever subjects you enjoy, you'll do much better if you enjoy it.
Reply 16
Original post by GovernmentEarner
Who gives a flying f*** about subject reputation.
As long as you meet the requirements of the uni course you want to do, then do whatever subjects you enjoy, you'll do much better if you enjoy it.


I agree with you some much I just have this internalised thought of reputation from my family, gone through alot of **** which has made me the way I am lol. I am not sure. Like I can't express it in words, I agree to do the subjects I enjoy, but I only been looking at the career paths of the future. I like physics a bit more but I haven't tried it but I get biology, it clicks, FML.
Reply 17
I enjoy all of the subjects but At different levels , IDK how much I would enjoy them at a levels.
Tbh your teachers probably know what they're talking about it seeing as they've seen loads of people go through their A Levels before so I'd definitely keep their advice in mind. I also agree with what other people in this thread have said that your mental health + personal life probably aren't making any of this easier and could be making it seem worse than it actually is (as someone who also has mental health issues I can definitely say this is true! But keep battling through it gets better)

Personally I love Biology but less so Physics so I'm not sure I'll be the biggest help here, but you'd be surprised how much your interests can change. I also take Chemistry which was my favourite subject throughout secondary school, but since doing A Levels I prefer Biology (although obvs I still like Chemistry). You should also bear in mind what units/areas your studying at the moment and what you'll study later on in the course - look through your textbook or something. It's also worth bearing in mind that there are LOADS of fields you can go into depending on how much you chose to specialise within your subject - e.g. I want to study Biochem at Uni but within that I love Microbiology so atm I want to specialise in that eventually. Whatever you study I'm sure you'll find a niche you love. Also if something specific interests you in class RESEARCH IT AND READ MORE ABOUT IT! This will probs encourage your passion even more and will be super useful when it comes to writing your personal statement.

If I was you I'd consider whether or not you want to essentially go back to the start of yr 12 again with another A level. You did very well in GCSE Physics so if you did want to swap subjects you could swap your least favourite out of Bio/Psychology for that (I'd recommend swapping Psychology but it depends how much you like it). You could swap to do Maths too but that would give you a lot of work to catch up on. Either way, currently it's not too late to change your mind. I wish I'd had the courage to do that at the start of Yr 12 but I didn't. Having said that though don't leave it too late if you want to swap because you'll have more work to catch up on.
That's OK. I'm looking out for courses myself but post grad and came across the student room. I live in Ireland. I've been teaching for nearly 20 years. My daughter had to make tough choices but thanked me when she did a physio undergrad for insisting she took biology and chemistry as they were if course invaluable. So it's always best to keep things simple. I think you said you wish to become a doctor so biology and chemistry are needed. Plus the maths and or physics. Don't over think things. I'm pleased you are receiving counselling. I responded to your message because I felt concerned. Young people are under pressure more than ever it seems. So keep well physically and emotionally. Your well being is most important. Good luck

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